Electrical problem

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by cumminsISB, Dec 19, 2014.

  1. cumminsISB

    cumminsISB Light Load Member

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    2001 W900. Voltage will drop down to 11-12 volts at same time amp gauge will jump up to about 60-70 amps, only for a few seconds. then the amp gauge will return but sit a little to the negative side say 5 amps. Voltage remains the same most of the time, sometimes it will go up to about 13-14 volts. Mostly happens at night when running lights etc., but have seen it during the day. New batteries, alternator about 3 months old. Had alternator tested yesterday putting out 160 amps, which is what it is rated for. Mechanic at kenworth dealer said bad ground or bad wire on battery? Any suggestions on what to start checking?
     
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  3. cumminsISB

    cumminsISB Light Load Member

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    also, does anyone know what all the boxes and such are in the battery box? Wires running to them towards the front of box?
     
  4. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Voltage regulator?
     
  5. cumminsISB

    cumminsISB Light Load Member

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    alternator has internal regulator, tested good.
     
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  6. nasriza

    nasriza Road Train Member

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    Sometimes the alternator cables get corroded or bad ground between starter and chassis or starter to batteries but there is no way to really measure I know these cables have major problems on Freightliner but don't know bout kw check connections make sure everything is tight
     
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  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    my problem was brand new batteries and not all the connections got tightened down.

    one of a few things to check.
     
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  8. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    I'd inspect positive cables carefully almost sounds like a live wire grounding out
     
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  9. sailboatjim

    sailboatjim Light Load Member

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    To me it sounds like it's briefly overcharging. The tele-tale is that the gage is showing negative after the overcharge.
     
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  10. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    OK, but what would be causing that, if not the regulator? He said that had been checked, as it is part of the alternator. Of course, I suppose if it was one of those "intermittent failures," it would be difficult to catch.
     
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  11. cumminsISB

    cumminsISB Light Load Member

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    may carry it to an electrical place to have tested. Kenworth tested it Thursday.
     
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